Experienced defender Joseph Yobo left out of starting lineup for Nigeria against Iran

CURITIBA, Brazil – Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has left out veteran defender Joseph Yobo from his starting lineup as the team opens its World campaign against Iran on Monday.

Yobo, who played in Nigeria's World Cup campaigns in 2002 and 2010, had been widely expected to captain the team, but that honor now goes to goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Keshi has opted for an attacking starting team in its first Group F match at the Arena da Baixada. He has picked three forwards in Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses.

The Iran team being fielded by coach Carlos Queiroz appears more defensive with two defensive midfielders in captain Javad Nekounam and Andranik Teymourian. The biggest surprise in the Iran team was that Alireza Haghighi was picked as goalkeeper.